Relatively little attention was paid last year when President Obama called for creation of a database containing the DNA of a million volunteers as part of moves toward “precision medicine,” or tailoring healthcare to people’s individual needs.

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“Big data and precision medicine might be good for society, but it could harm individuals,” said Dr. Joseph Fins, head of the Division of Medical Ethics at Weill Cornell Medical College. “We have to find a balance.”

What happens, for example, when your insurer determines that out you’re predisposed for a chronic disease? Does your employer have a right to such information? What are the individual’s responsibilities once he or she is informed of a potential illness?

Yeah, I’ve been concerned about this for a number of years now. While I appreciate some of the potential in terms of research on genetic disorders and developing treatments, the potential for misuse is just so huge.